mechanisms basics

A mechanism does NOT do which of these? (a)  

• change direction of movement
• change the type of movement
• change the color of movement
• change the speed of movement

Answer explanation

mechanisms can change the type, direction and speed of movement. They can also change the amount of force or torque available.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

If you mesh two gears they move in the same direction (a)  

• true
• false

Answer explanation

meshed gears always move in opposite directions

This type of motion goes in a circle (a)  

• oscillating
• rotary
• linear
• reciprocating

Answer explanation

A gear going around is an example of rotary motion

The red bar connected to the wheels on this mechanism is an example of what type of motion? (a)  

• oscillating
• rotary
• linear
• reciprocating

Answer explanation

The old-time steam engine created back and forth motion. To make the wheels go around, it needed this mechanism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

This fan shows an example of what type of motion? (a)  

• oscillating
• rotary
• linear
• reciprocating

Answer explanation

All electric motors produce rotary motion so to make the fan oscillate requires a mechanism.

Gear ratio is number of teeth on the driven gear divided by the number of teeth on the drive gear (a)  

• true
• false

Drive gear is the same as (a)  

• input
• output

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

If I want to go faster, I need a bigger drive gear (a)  

• true
• false

Answer explanation

Just like on your bicycle. If you have a bigger gear in the front, it is faster because your feet on the pedals are the drive or input.

torque is defined as push or pull in what direction (a)  

• straight
• circular
• back and forth
• up and down